The heat is on the Dallas Cowboys to make the playoffs despite a 7-7 record, and the hot seat just got hotter under coach Jason Garrett. ESPN's Ed Werder reports that although owner Jerry Jones doesn't want to fire Garrett, the expectation is he would do so if the Cowboys don't win the NFC East title this season.

Garrett has a 28-26 record through three and a half years after taking over for Wade Phillips midway through the 2010 season. Jones has great respect for Garrett, a smart offensive mind and former Cowboys backup quarterback, but the mediocre record and lack of playoff appearances are hard to ignore. The Cowboys would take the division over the Eagles if they beat Washington on the road in Week 16 and then defeat Philadelphia at home in Week 17. That's the only ticket to the playoffs, as a wild-card berth is not an option.

The Cowboys have been as inconsistent as their record in terms of offense, defense and overall play-calling with Garrett on his staff. If Garrett is relieved of his duties, the Cowboys would offer the highest-profile coaching vacancy in the NFL.